Match Recap: Sacramento Republic FC 0, Orlando City SC 0

By Sean Steimel, 07/17/14, 3:30PM PDT

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Sacramento Republic FC and Orlando City SC play to a 0-0 draw despite Republic FC playing down a man for the final 15 minutes of the match. The match was the first scoreless draw for both sides this season.

Orlando City SC and Republic FC both saw early scoring chances but were unable to take the lead. Republic FC could not capitalize on three early corner kicks, while Orlando City SC’s best chance found the back of the net but was disallowed after an offsides call.

Republic FC had its best chance at goal in stoppage time of the first half when forward Max Alvarez received a pass at the top of the box, settled and fired a left-footed shot toward the bottom right hand corner of the goal but the shot was saved on a diving effort by Orland City keeper Miguel Gallardo. The match would remain scoreless at half.

Orlando City came out strong in the second half controlling possession and challenging the Republic FC back line. One of their best scoring opportunities came in the 52nd minute when Orlando City sent a cross into the box where Adama Mbengue was able to get his head to it and sent it towards Republic FC keeper Jake Gleeson’s right. Gleeson made a quick reaction save and parried the ball out of play.

In the 79th minute Republic FC would go a man down. Forward Alvarez was sent off with a straight red card after a confrontation with another player during a throw in. Playing a man down for the final 15 minutes of the match, Republic FC looked to attack more than the rest.

Republic FC saw their best chance of the half in the 86th minute as second half substitute midfielder Gilberto Dos Santos Souza Jr. used three scissor moves to shake off a defender and get a bullet shot off, only to be blocked away for a corner kick by the keeper Gallardo.

The final chance of the match came for Orlando City striker Kevin Molino in the 89th minute, as a cross into the box was deflected to his right foot and as he tried to put a shot on goal Republic FC midfielder Ivan Mirković stepped in and blocked the shot with his chest.

“We got a good result, we were just lacking that little bit of quality and finishing,” said Republic FC Head Coach Preki following the match. “I’m so proud of our guys, they showed a lot of heart against a team that is going to the MLS.”

Republic FC will be at home again on Saturday night to take on Rangers FC of the Scottish Championship League in their second friendly of the season. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Bonney Field.